This Is The Place? What Brings People To Utah

I wonder sometimes if we take for granted how fortunate we are to live here in Utah. I know, no place is perfect, and if we want to focus on the negative, we can believe we live in an off the beaten path and kind of backwards state. Those would actually be positives to me.

But we must have something to offer to people who don't live here. According to the Utah Office of Tourism visitors spent $10.56 billion dollars here in 2021. That supported some 130,600 jobs related to the tourism industry.

So, what exactly is drawing people to our pretty, great state? Well, there are many popular tourist destinations in Utah, including national parks, ski resorts, and historic sites. Here are some of the most visited places in Utah.

Zion National Park: This is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, known for its stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. Visitors can hike the famous Narrows trail, take a scenic drive, or go rock climbing.

Arches National Park: This park is known for its unique rock formations, including the famous Delicate Arch. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the park to see the many arches and other natural features.

Bryce Canyon National Park: This park is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations, which are tall, thin spires of rock that have eroded over time. Visitors can hike, camp, or take a scenic drive to see the views.

Park City: This resort town is known for its skiing and snowboarding, as well as its charming downtown area. Visitors can hit the slopes, shop in the boutiques, or dine in the many restaurants.

Temple Square: This historic site in downtown Salt Lake City is home to the Salt Lake Temple, the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitors can take a tour of the temple and grounds, learn about the history of the church, or attend a performance by the famous Tabernacle Choir.

Other popular destinations in Utah include the Great Salt Lake, Capitol Reef National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument.

In addition, Utah hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from cultural festivals to sporting events, that bring visitors to the state. Here are some of the largest attended events in Utah.

Sundance Film Festival: This film festival is held annually in Park City and is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the United States. It attracts filmmakers, celebrities, and movie buffs from around the world.

Utah State Fair: This state fair is held annually in Salt Lake City and features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, concerts, and other entertainment. It is one of the largest state fairs in the United States and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

BYU Education Week: This week-long event is held annually at Brigham Young University in Provo and features classes and workshops on a variety of topics, including religion, education, and personal development. It attracts thousands of participants each year.

St. George Marathon: This marathon is held annually in St. George and attracts thousands of runners from around the world. It is known for its scenic route and challenging course.

Other popular events in Utah include the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Utah Arts Festival and the Festival of Trees.

Whether you are interested in outdoor adventure, history, or culture, Utah has something for everyone!